Denzel Washington explains why he was impressed with Paul Mescal’s performance in Gladiator II. Mescal plays Lucius Verus, the son of Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe) and Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) in the long-awaited sequel. Gladiator IIS throw too Features many new characters, including Macrinus (Washington)A former slave and current power broker who seeks to control Rome, and use Lucius’ awakening rage to his advantage.
While talking with GQ, Washington discussed how Mescal was easy to work with because of his natural acting talent. He emphasized how well Mescal fits the role of Lucius and how he enjoyed sharing many scenes with him in the Ridley Scott-directed sequel. Washington even praised Mescal’s act in moments where he simply stood and did not deliver Lucius’ lines. Check out Washington’s comments below:
[Mescal] Knows what he’s doing, he knows how to do it. It’s easy to work away from him because he’s giving you something. There is a quiet dignity and strength and intelligence that he has, even just when he is standing there.
What this means for Gladiator II
Paul Mescal is a fitting choice to play Lucius
Washington’s praise of Mezcal adds more anti-Semitism to the already highly-anticipated sequel. Much of the discussion about Mescal leading to Gladiator II revolved around the physical transformation he underwent in order to develop the physique of a gladiator. While physicality is an undeniably important part of Lucious’ character, Washington makes it clear that Mescal’s acting is also strong, and Will give Lucius a dignified and stoic presence.
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It sounds as if Mescal’s performance will be a natural follow-up to Crowe’s playing Maximus in the original Gladiator. Maximus also has a dignified and stoic presence, even when he was mortally wounded by Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). This will make Lucius a force to be reckoned with both inside and outside the Colosseum, as he follows in Maximus’ footsteps and challenges the corrupt authority that has risen to power since his father’s death.
Lucius and Macrinus’ relationship will be one of the best parts of Gladiator II
Given the original Gladiators perfect ending, there was naturally skepticism about Gladiator II. however, The more information that has been revealed about the sequel, including Washington’s comments, the more promising it seems to be. I’m looking forward to the scenes with Macrinus because of Washington, but now I’m also looking forward to seeing him interacting with Lucius. Macrinus is Gladiator IIs equivalent of Proximo (Oliver Reed), although Macrinus seems like he will be more developed and more ambitious than Proximo.
While Lucius is all but guaranteed to have his revenge against General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) and be victorious, the fate of Macrinus is more unpredictable. Their interests align in challenging General Acacius, Emperor Geta (Joseph Quinn), and Emperor Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). If the enemies were defeated, Lucius and Macrinus could find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict in Rome. The possibility Makes the scenes between Mescal and Washington even more excitingWith the dynamic between their characters being essential to Gladiator IIs history.
Source: GQ